HATTERS LOAN PALACE'S INNISS

The Town have secured the loan signing of Crystal Palace’s England youth international defender Ryan Inniss.

The towering 6ft 5in 18-year-old centre-half arrives at Kenilworth Road for a month from the Premier League club.

Bromley-born Inniss has represented England at Under-16, 17 and 18 levels and was the captain of the Eagles’ youth team last term.

He joins the Town having already tasted first team football following a loan spell with League 2 side Cheltenham this season, in which he played four times for the Robins. He made his senior debut in front of a crowd of 23,000 in a 2-1 defeat against a full-strength West Ham in the Capital One Cup.

In the manager’s office Inniss’ name tops a list of players scrawled on the boss’ whiteboard – with a star-like squiggle next to it.

“He’s been our number one target,” explained John Still. “We’re always looking at players, always going to games and keeping an eye on players who are available and, fortunately, we have been able to bring Ryan in.

“What kind of player is he like? He’s a defender. I know that sounds obvious, but he heads it, he uses his physical strength to dominate in the air and doesn’t take any prisoners. I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring him here.”

Inniss is available for selection for Saturday’s FA Trophy tie with Cambridge and has been handed squad number 15.